Electric potential and field computation along AC HV insulators

A modified charge simulation method for calculating the electric potential and field distribution along AC HV outdoor insulators is presented. The salient feature of this method is the significantly smaller number of unknowns and the corresponding reduction in computational complexity when compared to earlier charge simulation methods. Non-ceramic and ceramic suspension insulators of voltage ratings ranging from 115 to 500 kV, and non-ceramic line posts (115 and 230 kV) have been modeled under clean and dry surface conditions. Good agreement is obtained between the present calculations and measured data, calculated values using other numerical techniques and observations from service experience, which demonstrates the practical viability of the technique